Growing Food in a Challenging Climate

2017 was the worst and longest drought I have ever experienced. The growing conditions were the toughest I can ever remember. The rain just didn’t come for 7 long months. In fact, it was so bad in our local region, the Sunshine Coast of Australia, that thousands of people ran out of water for their homes and personal needs, let alone their gardens. Many had to get water and take showers in local parks. It was really, really dry.

As you’d expect, I had a few plant casualties. The grass was crispy. Sadly, an ornamental tree died and it wasn’t worth planting some of my favourite foods because the conditions were too unfavourable.

However, what delighted me was that through this entire time, my little kitchen garden kept feeding us. Not just now and then, but every day. Now you probably think I spent hours and hours every week out there planting and tending it. But nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve never had a busier year. Some weeks, I was lucky to spend an hour or two – and that was harvesting rather than planting or maintenance. Take a look at a few of the foods we enjoyed this year.

Do you love the crisp sweet crunch of young peas and beans? These easy-to-grow crops are perfect for all gardeners in small urban spaces. In pots, plots or garden beds!

How do you get the highest yield from your peas and beans, especially if you have limited space?

These are tips I use to grow healthy pea and bean plants that produce an abundant harvest. I hope they help you too.

3 Tips for Growing Peas and Beans

1. Healthy Soil and Fertilising

Peas and beans both prefer well drained, moist soils, with plenty of organic matter and a soil pH 6.0-7.5.

You can make your own potting mix like I do, or improve your soil with compost and worm castings if you have them. I also add minerals and mulch. Click here for tips on preparing your soil for planting.

Every couple of weeks apply a liquid fertiliser such as seaweed, fish emulsion or diluted worm casting concentrate to boost growth.

Have you ever experienced unhealthy plants? A poor harvest … or worse, no harvest at all? This may be due to a lack of preparation. Before planting, is the ideal time to prepare and reinvigorate your soil to avoid disappointment.

Creating healthy soil is one of the key factors to focus on before you begin planting. It’s unlikely plants will grow well in ‘dead dirt’!

“Organic matter, nutrients, moisture and an active microbe population are important elements to add to your soil.” – Anne Gibson

So let’s take a look at some tips and simple ways to prepare your garden for planting and using your space wisely.

Weather extremes – hot or cold – make it challenging to grow food. Don’t you agree? Severe conditions with intense heat and long periods of drought are especially tough to deal with.

Normally, January and February are our ‘wet’ rainy storm and cyclone season. On average, we’d have received about 360mm (14 in) by now. How much rain have we had here in subtropical SE Queensland, Australia over this time? In my garden, just 55mm (2in) all year!

On top of these unseasonally extreme dry conditions, we’ve had soaring temperatures since December. We’ve experienced the most 30°C+ (86°F) consecutive days for years. Today, it’s 40°C (104°F). Tomorrow, I’m looking forward to a forecast cooler day – just 33°C! Not to mention drying winds. Nice!

So, as a gardener, it’s essential to be flexible and learn to adapt to changing weather conditions. I’m no exception! We have to learn to accept we get too much or not enough sun or rain sometimes, and go with the flow of life. Plants adapt and we can too.

Fruits and Berries

Welcome and thanks for visiting! On this site, you’ll find a barrow load of free tips, tutorials and articles. My goal is to help you learn how to ‘grow good health‘. No matter what size your garden is, or your skill level. Even if you’re on a tight budget and have limited time or physical ability. My goal is to help you grow at least some of your own life-giving food to nourish your health.

Membership and Online Classes Coming Soon!

I’m excited to be introducing a unique membership program soon including online courses. My courses will help you design and grow a healthy, abundant nutrient-dense food garden. Interested in learning to grow, use and cook food and medicinal herbs to build your health? If so, you’ll discover everything you need. Step-by-step. The perfect solution if you’re busy and looking for quick, bite-sized lessons you can dig into … in just a few minutes. Practical tips, hands-on exercises and worksheets, videos and support.

The online classes will be tailored to suit your needs. From beginners to advanced gardeners. I am very much looking forward to sharing this program with you soon.

Stay tuned for upcoming information on these new features and of course keep reading my regular newsletter!

In the meantime, JOIN my Newsletter for exclusive, juicy tips and invites to classes. You get some really cool gifts too. My eBook A Sow Simple Guide to Using Herbs for Health and Container Gardening Tips Guide.

DIY Potting Mix Guide

Want to learn how to make your own potting soil and seed raising mixes? This Guide provides simple illustrated instructions, ingredients you need and the roles they play. Discover how to make a long-lasting soil mix that holds moisture + tips to change soil pH. If you want to save money, stop killing plants with soil that dries out too fast and be more sustainable, start making your own potting mix!